Maximalist Fashion Is TikTok's New Trend Obsession — Here's How to Shop the Aesthetic
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Ever since watching the second season of "The White Lotus," I've noticed a subtle (actually, relatively loud) fashion trend bubbling up on both my TikTok and Instagram feeds: maximalist fashion. It's difficult to pinpoint the exact origins of this fad, but for now, I'm naming Jennifer Coolidge's character's comically Gen Z assistant, Portia, as the culprit for its latest resurgence. Love her or hate her, you can't deny that Portia on the hit HBO miniseries managed to generate quite a bit of buzz online for her eccentric style, embracing a level of fashion chaos that's not often seen — let alone celebrated — on TV. And while the internet has had seemingly no shortage of jokes about her heavily printed, mismatched ensembles and affinity for knit bucket hats, others appear to be trying to replicate it through the maximalism fashion trend.
While style crazes of the last few years have leaned into a "less is more" approach, typically favoring all things minimalism, the maximalist fashion trend has managed to flip the script entirely with a "more is more" approach — think lots of bright colors, quirky sets, bold patterns, eye-catching silhouettes, and practically any outfit pairing that's sure to make a statement from the moment you walk into a room. The maximalism trend is all about finding freedom in style — it's fun, it's unpredictable, and frankly, it's everything that fashion oughta be. Plus, with the influence of TikTok, we've discovered it's also incredibly easy to replicate.
With that in mind, I went ahead and scoured the internet for the best maximalist fashion pieces to add to your wardrobe this year. Given that it's been plastered all over my TikTok feed as of late, I have an inkling it's here to stay for the long haul. From fringe skirts and tiger-print coats to striped bucket hats and even a trippy tie-dye dress, consider this your official guide for how to shop the maximalist fashion trend this year.
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A Colorful Dress: Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress
Much like practically every other prominent '70s fashion trend, tie-dye is predicted to come back in a big way this year, and we might just have the maximalism fashion aesthetic to thank for it. Get ahead of the style's resurgence with this trippy Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress ($21).
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Statement-Making Shoes: UGG Fluff Yeah Slide
This UGG Fluff Yeah Slide ($33, originally $65) has had quite the fashion ascension — from going viral on TikTok to being loved (and frequently worn!) by celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Megan Fox, the slipper has arguably been one of the most popular shoes of the last few years. And with maximalism fashion on the rise, I have a feeling we'll be seeing even more of it through this season as well.
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Printed Pants: Free People Hold Me Closer Flared Pants
When it comes to all things maximalism, I've found that the busier the style, the better. And these printed Free People Hold Me Closer Flared Pants ($77, originally $128) certainly embolden the fad well. Plus, if the emerald-green coloring isn't your preference, the bottoms are also available to shop in a red variation.
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Big on Bucket Hats: Smiley x By Samii Ryan Happy Garden Cotton Twill Bucket Hat
Portia's character on "The White Lotus" definitely reminded me of the style versatility that comes with owning a truly great bucket hat. At the present moment, I'm really obsessed with this Smiley x By Samii Ryan Happy Garden Cotton Twill Bucket Hat ($16, originally $40) style in particular. The accessory's flower-adorned, multicolored design simply helps to make it that much more unique!
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Coloblock Sneakers: Puma Future Rider Sneaker
Step into a new color palette this season (literally!) with a multicolored shoe like this Puma Future Rider Sneaker ($75, originally $80). Not only are these sneakers super sporty and fresh, but they're also sure to pair beautifully with everything in your closet thanks to the style's colorblock design.
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Fierce Prints: Girlfriend Material Faux-Fur Tiger Print Coat
This Girlfriend Material Faux-Fur Tiger Print Coat ($95, originally $172) is just oozing with a fierce and inimitable energy that will have you feeling both trendy and totally comfortable — regardless of the outside temperatures. Pair it with a mustard-yellow top underneath for peak monochrome perfection.
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Whimsical Jewelry: Frasier Sterling Ashley Moore Heatwave Hoops
Frasier Sterling is one of my favorite destinations for whimsical, eccentric, and downright quirky jewelry pieces with a twist. Evidently, Justin and Hailey Bieber are also notable fans of the brand (great minds!), and with darling accessories like these Frasier Sterling Ashley Moore Heatwave Hoops ($22, originally $32), can you blame them?
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Loud and Proud: Nasty Gal Multicolored Tinsel Fringe Shorts
If you really want to turn heads the moment you walk into a room, I recommend investing in these Nasty Gal Multicolored Tinsel Fringe Shorts ($34, originally $84). We all could use a go-to pair of party shorts that we can reach for on our most whimsical nights out, and this style definitely feels dance-floor-ready.
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A Mismatched Must Have: Anthropologie Maeve Contrast Button-Down
One of the key traits of the maximalist fashion aesthetic is mismatched prints that bear no aligned theme or resemblance but still manage to work well together. This Anthropologie Maeve Contrast Button-Down ($120) exemplifies the aesthetic well, with a contrasting pattern that includes everything from red florals and clock graphics to even a neutral houndstooth design.
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